Ninth century B.C. chalices uncovered at Gath

A few chalices dating to the time of the destruction of the Philistine city of Gath by Hazael, king of Aram (Syria), have been announced during the current excavation at Tel es-Safi/Gath. The most recent, larger than usual, chalice was announced by Prof. Aren Maeir on Monday and Tuesday. Follow the excavation reports here.

Jar and chalice (upside down beside the balk) in Area D at Tel es-Safi/Gath. Photo: Tell es-Safi/Gath Archeological Project.

Prof. Maeir displays the large chalice after the stand was excavated. (I like the T-shirt. Maybe there is another step down — a human stooped over with a mobile phone.)

Gath was one of five cities of the Philistine Pentapolis (1 Samuel 6:17). The city was destroyed by the Aramean King Hazael shortly after the middle of the 9th century B.C.

At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. But when Hazael set his face to go up against Jerusalem, (2 Kings 12:17 ESV)

Joseph Lauer calls attention to a nice article about the find in The Jerusalem Posthere. The author of the article is Joshua Lipson. Joshua volunteered at the Tel es-Safi/Gath excavation a few years ago.

And thanks to Prof. Maeir for posting the nice photos. No good reason to hide discoveries like this.